Did you know that 85% of women have cellulite? That's a lot of us! It's that pesky little problem area that not even the most dedicated fitness buffs can seem to get rid of.
Cellulite is the result of fat pushing through the connective tissue under the skin. While it's not harmful, it can be unsightly. But don't worry - there are ways to get rid of cellulite!
This post will explore some of the best methods for banishing those pesky lumps and bumps for good. Stay tuned...
What Exactly is Cellulite, and How Does It Form?
Cellulite is one of those conditions that everyone appears to have but no one knows what it is. So, exactly what is cellulite? And how does it come to be?
Cellulite is simply fat that has accumulated beneath the skin's surface in the subcutaneous tissue. It happens when the connective tissue between the skin and the underlying muscle loosens, allowing fat to bulge through. There is a layer of fat cells beneath the epidermis – the second layer of skin – that is held together by collagen bonds. Women's bonds are pillar-like, whereas men's bonds form a criss-cross shape.
Cellulite isn't just a problem for people who are overweight. Even thin people can develop cellulite if their body fat percentage is high. This is due to the fact that cellulite is caused by something other than excess weight.
It can occur due to a variety of factors, including genetics, poor diet, and a lack of exercise. Fat cells begin to bulge and push against the skin when they become engorged with stored triglycerides. This results in the distinctive dimpled appearance of cellulite. Cellulite, according to some scientists, is caused by an accumulation of toxins in the body. Others believe it's due to poor circulation or a buildup of fatty deposits beneath the skin.
However, cellulite frequently manifests itself as dimpled, cottage cheese-like areas on the thighs, buttocks, and stomach, and it is common for both men and women, but mostly in women over the 20s.
Grades of Cellulite
We are not mistaken if we say that cellulite is a normal, natural part of being a woman. In fact, most women have cellulite, which is perfectly normal.
There are four grades of cellulite ranging from normal to severe:
Grade 1 (normal): barely noticeable and does not require treatment.
Grade 2 (mild): it is noticeable only when you pinch the overlying skin, and does not require any treatment.
Grade 3 (moderate): the cellulite is visible in a standing position, and may require treatment.
Grade 4 (severe): cellulite is visible in both standing and sitting positions, and the skin is draped, with deep visible bumps. Treatments are highly required.
Get Rid of Cellulite
It is perfectly normal to want and try to get rid of cellulite, just as it is perfectly normal to have it.
Regardless of the grade of cellulite you have, getting rid of it is a time-consuming process that necessitates dedication and persistence.
But, let's face it, there is no long-term cure for cellulite. Treatment outcomes are typically unique and individual. However, there are methods to prevent, control, and minimize the appearance of orange peel.
Here are our top tips for reducing cellulite, improving skin appearance, and staying healthy.
Hydration
Yes, before anything else, the most basic solution is H2O.
Dehydration is harmful to your overall health because it deprives your body of the fluids it requires to function. Dehydrated skin loses its elasticity and freshness, allowing toxins to be stored in fat cells and contribute to cellulite formation.
According to wellness and nutrition experts, maintaining proper hydration requires drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day (minimum of 1.5 liters). If you find plain water boring, try adding slices of fresh fruit, such as citrus fruits or berries, according to your favorite flavor.
Consuming foods with high water content is also an excellent way to keep your body and skin hydrated. This way, you get the added benefit of the vitamins and nutrients found in these foods.
Body Brush (Dry Brushing)
Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like: using a brush with stiff bristles to massage the skin while it is dry (that is, without any lotion or oil). This can help to break up the fat cells that cause cellulite while also improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. Dry brushing before showering is best done in circular, upward motions.
Dry brushing also exfoliates the skin, which can help it look better. As a result, it aids in the visual reduction of cellulite and provides your skin with a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Dry body brushing should be done a couple of times per week for the best results.
Coffee Scrub
Coffee grounds can be used as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and revealing smoother, brighter skin beneath. Furthermore, the caffeine in coffee grounds can temporarily tighten and tone skin.
Make the best DIY coffee scrub by combining olive or coconut oil (both of which are good for the skin) with coffee grounds. A couple of times per week, apply the mixture to the problem areas and massage in circular motions.
Coffee scrubs on a regular basis increase blood flow and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing your skin on regular basis is very important, especially when fighting cellulite.
Dermatologists recommend retinoid products which can help collagen production and dermal thickness. According to Harward Health, retinoids also improve circulation and skin color by stimulating the production of new blood vessels in the skin.
Essential oils, in addition to cremes and lotions, are excellent moisturizers. Essential oils such as black pepper oil, grapefruit oil, sage oil, and lemon oil can be used as a natural and alternative way to promote firmer-looking skin and improve skin elasticity. They contain potent skin-protective, antioxidant, and cleansing properties that promote skin smoothness, aiding in the reduction of the overall wrinkled and bumpy appearance of cellulite-ridden areas.
Exercise
Regular cardiovascular exercise is a good place to start because it burns calories and improves circulation. Strength training, on other hand, is also beneficial because it tones the muscles and helps to create smoother, more defined contours.
Even if you are not a big fan of working out, any type of physical activity is an excellent way to reduce and decrease cellulite. As long as you do it on a consistent basis and as part of your daily routine.
For example, instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs; walk instead of driving; stand instead of sitting, and so on. If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time during the day, try to take 5 to 10 minutes every 2 hours to stretch your muscles and body.
As a tip, try wearing shapewear every time you exercise. Shapewear provides gentle compression and support, assisting in the smoothing out of the skin and the creation of a more even appearance. It also aids in the prevention of new cellulite formation by promoting proper blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Shapewear can help you get the most out of your workout.
Common Mistakes People Make about Cellulite
Believing that cellulite is directly related to weight gain or loss and thinking that it only affects overweight people - Cellulite does not discriminate! It can affect anyone, regardless of size or weight. Cellulite can affect even the thinnest of people. It all comes down to how fat cells are distributed and how they connect to the skin.
Another common misconception is that cellulite is only a cosmetic issue. While cellulite can be unsightly, it is much more than that. It's a medical condition caused by changes in the skin's structure.
So, if you have cellulite, know that you are not alone and that there are treatment options to help improve the appearance of your skin.